Telly tells a joke to Elmo and Susan, who tries welcoming the viewer. She's interrupted by famed movie director, Walt Dizzy (though none of them have heard of him). He's on Sesame Street to find someone to play the titular role in his new "heartwarming, exciting and money making" film, The Chicken King. Elmo recommends Telly and has him demonstrate his chicken acting skills. Walt is not pleased; he needs someone who also looks like a chicken. He continues his search and Elmo asks a passing chicken for their feathers, who is not thrilled.

Cartoon

Kids try to guess what a bunch of shapes will form; eventually they form a chicken.(EKA: Episode 2838)

Telly is now in a full chicken outfit (custom made by the other chicken's tailor). Walt Dizzy comes back and sees Telly's acting again, but rejects him once more - he doesn't move like a chicken. Elmo runs off to find the real chicken again.

The chicken teaches Telly how to move, but he has a hard time getting the hang of it. Elmo helps by also imitating the chicken, attracting the attention of Walt. He immediately picks Elmo to play the chicken, making Telly furious.

Telly continues yelling at Elmo, when Susan arrives to break it up. She and Walt tell him it's nothing personal; he had to go for the best person and it's not Elmo's fault. Telly forgives him, but still feels he's a nobody. Walt assures him he is a somebody and can play another role in the film. They all run off to produce the film.

Elmo, Telly and Walt call Susan over to show them the finished project. "I'm quick and I'm cheap. Hollywood loves me," Walt says just before they roll film.

SCENE 5 cont'd

In the film, a squire rabbit addresses a kingdom of animals. The time has come to choose a king from among the population, but it must be someone who can turn an ear of corn into an egg. A cocksure lion gives it a try, but fails. Elmo Chicken passes through, wishing to also try. He eats up the ear of corn, giving him the energy to lay an egg. They declare him king and wish for more eggs to eat. Telly appears at the end, nervously playing a farmer who provides the kingdom with more corn.

SCENE 5 cont'd

Susan enjoyed the film and the two monsters' performances. Walt heads off to make his next big flick - The Dog Prince. Elmo and Telly follow, hoping to also be in it, while Susan announces the sponsors.

Notes

Dr. Valeria Lovelace, of the show's research department, attempted to halt production of this episode's storyline, claiming only a chicken should play the role of a chicken. She was told by Norman Stiles to air the show as written and jokingly await any letters to the organization from angry chicken fans.[2]